Surprise: Real ID Deadline Extended (Again)

The picture that you see above is from the DMV in Caldwell. I took that picture one morning when the Idaho Transportation Department's computer system was still extremely backlogged and wait times to get your drivers license were at an all time high. I arrived to this DMV in Caldwell about an hour before they opened. It was cold, it was dark, and I thought all would be well for me to get in and out. Little did I know that there would be an entire line already wrapped around the building, waiting.

I was there to get my Star Card--Idaho's compliant option for the Real ID Act. This was in November of 2018.

Now, the Real ID Act, which was passed in 2001 is being extended. Again. Twenty years later.

The extension makes sense--of course like everything else in our lives, the Coronavirus threw a wrench in the process. With public offices closed down, social distancing in place, and thousands of American citizens with various compromised health issues unable to leave home because of the risk of COVID-19 infection--the Department of Homeland Security is once again delaying the deadline.

The new deadline has not yet been announced but we do know that it will no longer be October 1st of this year. The whole purpose behind these "Real IDs" is to increase security at traveler check points. Once the new deadline passes, travelers won't be able to fly with their drivers license unless they have a Real ID eligible license. Of course, a passport will still get the job done.

We'll keep you posted on the new deadline date. For more information on Idaho's Star Card (if you still need one), click HERE.